2 stories of Raqqa represent 2 contrasting sides of single era

On the eighth anniversary of the liberation of Raqqa, two stories from the heart of Raqqa stand out, representing two contrasting sides of a single era; Mazen al-Hwaija, who survived to dream, and Mahmoud al-Mohamed, who disappeared without a trace.

Mazen... From oppressed childhood to art and leadership

Mazen al-Hwaija, a young man from Mazraat al-Sahl, south of Raqqa, spent his childhood in a city under the control of ISIS mercenaries for more than three years. His childhood was nothing but a series of fear, surveillance, and explosions.

He says, "We were forbidden from laughing, drawing, or playing. Even at home, there was no security. Even the closest friends could betray you."

Under ISIS' rule, schools were transformed into centers for preaching, and books, music, and drawings disappeared. Children were forced to watch field executions in an attempt to kill mercy in their hearts.

"I used to see masked men with long, curly beards, and they wanted us to grow up without feelings," Mazen recounts.

But on October 20, 2017, ISIS mercenaries were driven from the city by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after a fierce four-month battle, and Raqqa began to breathe again.

For the first time in years, Mazen saw smiling faces, and from that moment on, the city began its journey of recovery from oppression and darkness.

Today, Mazen is trying to rebuild himself. He joined the folk arts troupe at the cultural center, and aspires to become the voice for the children who experienced what he did. Despite failing his high school exams, he insists on trying again, "I won't give up. I'll come back next year and achieve my dream."

Mahmoud... The Unresolved Absence

In contrast, Meryam al-Jum'a, Mahmoud al-Muhammad's mother, recounts the story of his absence, which has been unresolved for years. Mahmoud, a native of Mazraat Maysaloun in the northern countryside of Raqqa province, disappeared after taking his sister to her husband in Lebanon, in compliance with ISIS' regulations that prohibited women from traveling without a male relative.

Upon his return, he was detained by ISIS mercenaries at the Zakiya checkpoint, under the pretext that he repeatedly traveled to Damascus. His mother says, "His brother went to the village of Uqayribat, then to Maskanah, Aleppo, al-Bab, and Manbij, until he reached Iraq, but to no avail."

Despite the city's liberation, the family has received no news of him.

The First Response Team in Raqqa province recovered 6,100 bodies from 28 mass graves left by ISIS mercenaries during their control of the province. The team handed over 700 bodies to their families after identifying them, according to a report prepared by ANHA agency in 2020.

First Response Team... Accomplished work and a crucial role in emergencies - ANHA

Meryam notes that ISIS mercenaries detained Mahmoud in 2014 after finding a photo of a soldier on his phone, even though his phone was an old model that didn't have the ability to store photos. "Mahmoud was a good man who went to the mosque regularly, and some members of the organization hated him for that reason."

She explained, "Today, Mahmoud's three children are living in their uncle's house, while their mother continues searching for him. I remember him every day, and stick my head out the door, hoping one day I'll be blessed with his coming back." Mahmoud's mother sighs regretfully and says, "No, they killed him. If I knew where he was buried, I would be relieved."

Mahmoud's mother continues to review the relevant authorities without receiving any answers.

Raqqa between past and present

Eight years after liberation, Raqqa is still recovering from the effects of war. But the stories of its people, from dreamers like Mazen to those missing like Mahmoud, remain a reminder that recovery is only complete with justice, and that hope never dies as long as hearts that beat with truth are existed.

In a city which was once a symbol of destruction, it is now writing new chapters of life, hope, and dignity. Between every story told, there are others waiting to be heard, completing the picture of Raqqa, which never forgets its people, no matter how long the absence.

J.J

ANHA